Undocumented Immigrants (Illegally) Targeted & Certain Fishing Practices Could Be Banned In Florida This Fall

Below, we discuss some important developments concerning actions that could lead to the illegal arrest of undocumented immigrants, as well as changes to some of Florida’s shore fishing laws that could impact some citizens’ livelihoods, here in Florida:

Illegal Flyers Circulated In Florida Offering Fake Awards to Turn In Undocumented Immigrants to Law Enforcement

As if immigrants aren’t dealing with enough harassment and issues involving their civil rights, in September, a false flyer was circulated throughout Tampa, Florida offering a “reward” to turn in undocumented immigrants. The flyer even included the official Homeland Security logo.

It is illegal to use the seals of any Federal Departments without permission, carrying a penalty of serving up to five years in prison for doing so. More importantly, actions like these create additional impediments for the many immigrants working to secure legal status in the U.S., who are already frequently accused of crimes they never committed just for the purpose of the government initiating deportation proceedings against them. In addition, with elections coming up in November throughout the country – including Florida – this arguably introduces additional confusion into the issue, which could affect election results as well.

Florida Considers Making Certain Fishing Practices Illegal

It’s no secret that Florida has seen its fair share of reported animal cruelty crimes, especially when it comes to some tampering with protected sharks while they are fishing. As a result of gaining national attention on this issue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is now considering instituting a number of regulatory reforms of the practice; regulations that could include placing restrictions on the type of fishing gear used, creating special licenses for shore-based shark fishing, and imposing stricter requirements overall on handling sharks.

A number of fishermen have responded with frustration, noting that, as a result of these proposed restrictions, fishing could be made both difficult and dangerous. For example, one of the requirements would mandate taking the hook out of the shark while it is in the water, which a number of fishermen note can be very dangerous.

The FWC is also proposing to ban bringing the shark onto the beach, taking pictures with it, and/or displaying it, which includes lifting the animal’s mouth open. The FWC claims that this is necessary in order to prevent shark bites, which occur at a rate of approximately 25 per year in Florida waters, one percent of which are recorded as deadly.

The Very Best Criminal Defense & Civil Rights Attorneys in Florida

If you have been arrested as a result of an illegal flyer like this – or accused of a fish and game or animal cruelty crime – contact our experienced Florida criminal defense attorneys at the Baez Law Firm today to find out how we can help ensure that your rights are protected and you are not convicted as the result of a questionable action that infringes upon your rights.

Resources:

abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/flyer-circulating-in-florida-offering-fake-reward-to-turn-in-undocumented-immigrants

weartv.com/news/local/fwc-considers-limiting-shark-fishing-from-shore-at-florida-beaches